Early Life and Education
Linda Jean Burney was born on April 25, 1957, in Whitton, New South Wales, Australia. Raised in Whitton, she is of Wiradjuri and Scottish descent. In her inaugural speech to the New South Wales Parliament, Linda Burney shared that she did not grow up knowing her Aboriginal family and met her father, Nonny Ingram, only in 1984. She was raised by her aunt and uncle, Nina and Billy Laing, who instilled in her the values of honesty, loyalty, and respect. Linda Burney attended Whitton's primary school and completed her secondary education at Leeton High School and Penrith High School. She later pursued higher education at Charles Sturt University.
Political Career
Linda Burney began her political career in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, where she represented Canterbury for the Labor Party from 2003 to 2016. In 2003, she became one of the first known Aboriginal people to serve in the New South Wales Parliament. During her time in the New South Wales Parliament, she held various roles, including Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Minister for Education, and Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. She also served as Minister for the State Plan and Minister for Community Services in the Keneally ministry. Linda Burney was the National President of the Labor Party from 2008 to 2009.
In 2016, Linda Burney was elected to the Australian House of Representatives as the member for Barton. She is recognized as the first known Aboriginal woman elected to the federal House of Representatives. Since 2022, she has been serving as the Minister for Indigenous Australians in the Albanese ministry.
Personal Life
Linda Burney was married to Rick Farley until his death in 2006. She has two children: Willerui Ngurumbi Karramarra and Binni Dironbirong, who tragically passed away on October 24, 2017.
Honors and Awards
Linda Burney contributions to public service and education have been acknowledged with several honors:
- 1992: Department of School Education (NSW) Director General's Award for Outstanding Service to Public Schools
- 2002: Centenary Medal
- 2002: Honorary doctorate from Charles Sturt University
- 2010: Meritorious Service to Public Education and Training Award
- 2014: NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award
Retirement
On July 25, 2024, Linda Burney announced her retirement from federal Parliament, ahead of a cabinet reshuffle scheduled for July 28, 2024.
Linda Burney Father
Linda Burney Family
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About the Author
Praise Graciebby is a content creator on Essie Book Blog, where she writes celebrity biographies, sports updates, gossip, and trending news. With a passion for entertainment and lifestyle journalism, Praise provides readers with simple, accurate, and up-to-date profiles of public figures worldwide.
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